Darlene Pscheidell
Kwarta applies for a job and gets it easily. Well, it seems no other person
applied for the position. She is upbeat and determined to make the best of it.
What follows is a vocation, working as a teacher for a multi-handicapped class of
junior high kids. In this spellbinding, oftentimes heartbreaking, and inspiring
memoir, the author shares her experience with Children who were often shut out
because of their handicaps or other forms of limitations. This book is about teachers
who open new worlds and possibilities for these kids, a page-turning narrative.
Once There Was a
Child by Darlene Pscheidell
Kwarta follows the journey of a teacher who was inspired by the story of Helen
Keller and a movie about a teacher who made a difference. Her childhood
experience constitutes part of her inspiration. As a child, she never felt like
she fully belonged. She has always been pulled towards those who were outcasts,
especially Joe from the neighborhood from whom she learned sign language. In
this brilliantly rendered memoir, Kwarta offers a vividly drawn portrait of
what a classroom filled with deaf children is like, introducing characters that
instantly catch the attention of readers. Every day, something exceptional
happens — a catastrophe, a humorous incident, a surprising discovery — but
every day, these kids discover new doors and their worlds become bigger thanks
to wonderful people who are there to make a difference in their lives. From the
principal who is known as “the Big guy” to the students — Jackson, Autumn, Kat,
Jazz, Jacob, and the others — Kwarta introduces readers to characters they will
see differently. This book is a powerful inspiration for those called to the
nurture and education of children with disabilities. Once There Was a Child
is written in great prose and features memorable moments.
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